How long after quitting smoking can one TTC.

[hopefulLady]

My brother recently got engaged to a girl, she is 32. However, she has been smoking regularly for a few years. She promises to quit if they are to get married, but I am concerned that the after-effects of long term smoking would stay in her system. Would that be a problem when they try to conceive? Does it also raise the probability of birth defects in their future children?
And how long after she quits can they start to try and conceive?

Sorry for so many questions, but I am really worried, because I have always believed that smoking is very harmful for a women's reproductive system.
Your inputs would be really appreciated.

[hopefulLady]

Thanks Laura.

[hopefulLady]

Thanks a lot for answer. I am relieved that its not a problem :-)

[LauraB78]

She will be fine.

[smjmekg]

I was smoking when I got pregnant. I weaned myself off of cigarettes quickly, but it had no affect on my ability to conceive obviously. It's hard to quit, but there's lots of help she can get. You could suggest the patch or the gum, I've tried both without any bad affects, except the patch. It gives you weird vivid dreams.

[TARA1178]

I am very glad I could help!!!!!  

[hopefulLady]

Hey thanks Tara! thats such a relief to know.
I totally respect an individual's choice to smoke or live his life a certain way, so it did not sound bad at all. In fact, you just made me feel so much better with your post :-)

Thanks a ton!
Hope...

[TARA1178]

She will be fine.  The longer after she quits, the better her body is, but it shouldn't affect her ability to concieve, nor will it affect the baby from her past smoking.  I know this is going to sound bad, but there are many women in my family that have smoked the whole duration of their pregnancies, and thier babies have turned out just fine, even with that, so she will be just fine.  Me on the other hand am a smoker, but when I get pregnant even the smell makes me sick so I usually don't have that problem.  So with me being a smoker, and quitting shortly after conception (usually before I even find out because it makes me ill) my children are all just fine.  Good luck!

Tara